A living sacrifice does not pick it’s sacrifices, nor determine the cost. A living sacrifice is ready to die to self. If I am to walk yoked with Jesus in step with Him, then I cannot choose the bits of the journey I want. In essence, I am throwing myself at the mercy of God. … Continue reading Entrust to mercy
Psalm 114 (Message) After Israel left Egypt, the clan of Jacob left those barbarians behind; Judah became holy land for him, Israel the place of holy rule. Leaving the land of slavery, Israel became God’s holy people and the land the place of holy rule. This was a first step to their being made Holy. … Continue reading Freedom from Slavery
Why does the Lord take us through periods of spiritual emptiness? We long for intimacy in worship and the word, but encounter dryness. This seems to be the experience of the Psalmist in Psalms 42&43 (combined as one). Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? This seems blasphemy to a culture … Continue reading Spiritual emptiness
Psalm 27:4 both inspires and challenges. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. First – In praying this I have seen the Lord bear fruit, … Continue reading One thing I ask …
We live in a world of self-interest, committed to feeling better about ourselves or experiences that take our eyes off the state of our lives. How do we let go this futile thinking that only reinforces inner darkness? (Eph 4:17-19) I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. (Psalm 34:1 … Continue reading Way out of emptiness
The Lord loves us but he does not entrust himself to us. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. John 2:24 (NIV) We see this in Jesus’ relationship with his disciples. They were with him wherever they went, yet he did not entrust himself even to his closest disciples. … Continue reading Trustworthy to Jesus?
Why do the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Psalm 115:2 This is a question that is being asked of the Church. The question raises key issues. Firstly: What is it about the way we reflect Jesus that keeps this culture from seeing Him in us? Secondly: What is it about the world that it … Continue reading Where is your God?
I was overcome by fear and anger. Someone had made a threatening comment and I was churned up inside. My mind would turn on this person and fight mental arguments. I know that when I am in such a state, it would be unwise for me to open my mouth – bile would come out. … Continue reading Overcoming anger
The Lord initiates with me by showing kindness when He rescues me from my disaster. What catches my attention is when He does it without my even thinking to ask. My seeking God in independence is humbled. It is through the Lord rescuing me from trouble that I become aware of both His power and … Continue reading Recognise kindness
There are times when I am stressed out by the urgent and yet it seems every road I take to resolve the situation ends in frustration. It seems I am battling against God. The real surprise shown in Isaiah 30 is that this may well be the case! 16 You said, “No, we will flee … Continue reading Rest in stress
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